Christmas Cake Truffles

Here's a great way to modernise the traditional Christmas cake or use up any leftovers after Christmas day. These little gems are really delicious and super easy to whip up. I bet you can't stop at just one.

Christmas Cake Truffles

Makes approximately 24

ingredients
800g fruitcake, coarsely chopped ( I used a whole Baker's Delight Christmas Cake)
100g dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
2 tbs brandy
200g white chocolate, coarsely chopped
mini m&ms or glace cherries, to decorate

Desiccated coconut (optional)*

method
Line a baking tray (that will fit in the fridge) with baking paper and set it to one side while you make the truffles.

Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, or in the microwave according to the instructions on the packet.

Crumble the Christmas cake into a bowl, add the  brandy and stir well until well combined. 

Pour in the melted dark chocolate and stir again: this will help to bring the mixture together.

Roll small teaspoons of mixture into balls about the size of a chocolate truffle and place on lined tray.

Cover with cling film and place in fridge to firm up. 

To decorate, melt the white chocolate, then let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile chop the green M&M's in half or if using cherries - cut the red cherries into small pieces to represent small berries, and snip the green cherries into miniature lengths, to represent leaves.

Using a teaspoon, drip a little of the melted white chocolate on each truffle, then arrange the cherry or M&M pieces on top.

* Alternatively, drizzle balls in white chocolate and roll in coconut. 

Serve.

For gifts, place in boxes lined with tissue paper.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy 2014.